Sleep in style: nine of Australia's most incredible hotels

Room with a view? For a swoon-worthy vista, look no further than Sydney's Park Hyatt - all suites have panoramas of either the Opera House or Harbour Bridge, and some have both. Low-slung in the city's historic Rocks district, the property's interior design is understated and earthy, so as not to distract from the real eye-candy outside. But that's not to say that any detail is overlooked, from the commissioned Australian art (155 pieces) to the Dining Room by applauded chef James Viles to the dazzling rooftop pool and terrace. hyatt.com

Holding a prime position just steps from Circular Quay, Capella radiates sophistication. Rejuvenating an Edwardian sandstone building, the sleek property occupies an entire city block, and through every space there's a story being told, whether that's in the Aboriginal artwork in the lobby or the hand-picked retro furnishings in guest rooms. There are plenty of reasons to linger, including hot restaurant Brasserie 1930, and McRae Bar, modelled on a Victorian-era drinking den. capellahotels.com

You'll glimpse the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria Harbour and Port Phillip Bay when you arrive at this lofty lodging, rising 80 storeys in glass, steel and bluestone above the Victorian capital. While you'll find it hard to tear yourself away from your room - all marble and velvet - there are worthy reasons in Atria, the hotel's restaurant that describes itself as "hyper-seasonal": expect the menu to change on a chef's market-visit whim. ritzcarlton.com

Marriot's W portfolio of hotels is known for its whimsical design, always a fun take on the destination it calls home. In Melbourne, the property sources inspiration from the CBD's art-filled laneways, translating this to colour and character within all rooms and public spaces - the Extreme Wow Suite even comes with its own jukebox. In a city with its fair share of standout restaurants, W shines brightly with Lollo, under the creative culinary direction of legendary local chef Adam D'Sylva. marriott.com

The Calile cuts a dramatic form across Fortitude Valley's skyline, its self-described "soft brutalist" building of white curves and arches designed to celebrate Queensland's balmy weather and tropical vibe this part of the country is known for. Acclaimed architects Richards and Spence crafted breezy hallways with open-air nooks to link the guest rooms, fashioned in a trio of pastels: blush, eggshell blue and mint. All accommodations come with scallop-shaped balconies - be sure to book one that overlooks the 30-metre pool, lined with palm trees, striped jade-green umbrellas and cabanas. thecalilehotel.com

Set within a heritage-listed building in the centre of Adelaide, The Mayfair exudes art deco charm, from its aerodynamic curves to its layered shapes and penchant for gold and chrome. But when it comes to the fine print, everything is local, including South Australian furnishings and art, custom-made beds and luxe botanical amenities. To optimise your outlook, head to Hennessy Rooftop Bar, where cocktails are shaken and stirred while you gaze over the city. mayfairhotel.com.au

Set across three distinct buildings, The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, incorporates a Georgian-style former hospital from the 1840s, an art deco building from the 1930s, and a gleaming glass-and-steel addition called the Pavilion. The carefully considered restoration equates to rooms with personality to spare - think high ceilings, convict-hewn sandstone, gas fireplaces and blackwood bathtubs. History is preserved in plaques, photos and display cabinets throughout, showcasing artefacts discovered during the renovation. Don't miss Italian restaurant Peppina and speakeasy bar Mary Mary - beeswax-infused rum, anyone? marriott.com

Applauded WA architect Kerry Hill is behind the design of COMO, the Singaporean brand's hospitality foray into Australia. Linking three late-Victorian stone-and-brick buildings, the hotel offers some of the largest rooms in the country, with original features throughout including dormer windows and cantilevered balconies. Chef Michael D'Adamo uses foraged fare in his creative menu at rooftop restaurant Wildflower, while ground-floor Post is a great place to sample Como's healthful Shambhala dishes. comohotels.com

Ovolo Nishi sets the design pulse for our nation's capital - step inside the jaw-dropping lobby, all reclaimed wood and quirky art, and you'll be hard pressed to disagree. The building is home to the Palace Electric Cinema, screening arthouse movies, while the Nishi Gallery is just across the street, hosting cutting-edge exhibitions and performances. The complex is also the base for Monster restaurant, where pretty plates tell a seasonal vegetarian story of the Canberra region. ovolohotels.com

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For the penthouse of your dreams - replete with indoor and outdoor kitchens, multiple bedrooms, a spa and Queenstown's largest private terrace, accommodating a pool and fireplace - make a booking at Eichardt's Private Hotel. The South Island city's most historic hotel haven retains the grandeur and charm it was given when built in the mid-1800s, but pairs that with supreme modern luxuries, both in design or service. Set right on Lake Wakatipu and with the Remarkables as a backdrop, the property offers everything from super-chic suites to waterside apartments, a self-contained residence and that penthouse.

Further north in New Zealand's creative capital, QT Wellington is as playful as hotels come, uniting eye-popping art with enviably luxe amenities - the super-soft gel beds are a winner. "Swank" is the only way to describe restaurant Hippopotamus, where the food comes with French flair and the decor comes with over-the-top extravagance. And in Auckland, Hotel Britomart - New Zealand's first 5 Green Star Hotel - celebrates Aotearoa's natural assets, from the exterior's hand-made bricks to the interior's timber-lined rooms; the suites are particularly covetable, with views over the harbour. eichardts.com, qthotels.com, thehotelbritomart.com